Ryan Brown’s gift is in his undying passion for all things Zappa. He has been a fan of the music from his earliest formative years behind the drum set. It is obvious upon hearing him perform that he has dedicated many hours to learning the Zappa repertoire. Dweezil’s band draws from all eras of Zappa, from Freak Out through Roxy and Elsewhere and One Size Fits All, up to Zappa’s later material in the 80’s. They even stop off at some 200 Motels along the way. The repertoire is constantly being expanded with new material for every tour. The exuberance of diving deep into the Zappa vault is seen in Ryan’s face when he performs classic and somewhat obscure numbers such as Holiday in Berlin and Rollo. These are tunes for the hardcore fans, of which he is perhaps the biggest.
Read morePercussion Days Showcase: Tribute to Kim Plainfield | Berklee Performance Center
Select Berklee students and faculty will perform in honor of and in memory of longtime Percussion Department faculty member Kim Plainfield, who passed away in April 2017.
Read more1935 LEEDY 6.5 x 15 RED/CREAM/RED DUCO BROADWAY PARALLEL MODEL
The latest addition to the collection comes from my good friend and fellow collector Mark Cooper of Coopersvintagedrums.com I usually stay clear of Duco finishes as a good number of them have not fared well over the 80+ years but this one had two things going for it: 1. Red/Cream/Red Duco which I have never seen. 2. This is a 6.5 x 15 Broadway Parallel model which is somewhat rare.
Read moreHal Blaine to be honored with Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award
Starting his career in the 1950s, Hal Blaine is best known as the drummer and founder of the legendary ‘Wrecking Crew’. He has recorded with numerous iconic artists such as Elvis Presley, the Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, and many more. He lent his artistry to Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound" productions, creating one of rock and roll's most recognizable beats. However, Blaine's talent does not stop at the conventional drum set. Some of his best-known songs include him drumming on water jugs for the Beach Boys' "Caroline, No" and dragging tire chains across a concrete floor for Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water."
Read moreTris Imboden leaves Chicago
Tris Imboden has announced he is leaving Chicago after more than 27 years due to family concerns. The band’s percussionist, Walfredo Reyes Jr. will take over as their new drummer. Tris, who replaced founding drummer Danny Seraphine in 1990, recently broke the news on his Facebook page.
Read moreTaxi Driver Drummer Trivia
At the risk of being accused of practicing sorcery, I assume you are a drum history buff. If, on the off chance, like me, you are also a movie buff and the subject of tonight's “Movie Quiz” meeting is Taxi Driver, I have great news. Simply reading the remainder of this article, you will impress everyone in the room and be the envy of all your colleagues. Are you ready?
Read more1954 Gretsch Broadkaster "Name Band" Drum Set w Zildjian cymbals - $3000
This is a brokered set. Serious offers only. The owner will ship from Abilene Texas. 14 x 6.5 snare, 14x22 bs, 9x13 and 16x16 toms. 15" hats and 18" crash from the same era. In excellent shape. Please direct all questions and offers to George Lawrence either in the comments below or via email george@notsomoderndrummer.com.
Read more1960s Ludwig Downbeat Set in Oyster Black Pearl
Ringo used two Oyster Black Pearl Downbeat sets and two Oyster Black Super Classic sets during his Beatles career. One of the Downbeat sets recently made the news when it was sold at auction for 2.2 million dollars. That's a lot of money for a vintage Ludwig drum set. What made it worth so much? Only those who remember what the Beatles and Ringo, in particular, did for the cause of drumming will ever understand.
Read moreHolding it all together
The band was about to play their final number and the leader was introducing the band members one last time. It was a bit redundant because the line-up was a who's who of Canadian jazz players. Finally the MC announced the drummer, adding that he was the glue that held it all together, and all the band members nodded in agreement......That struck me as a bit odd.
Read moreBaby Dodds snare ; 1923 Ludwig & Ludwig White Enamel 4 x 14 All Metal Dance Model (cat. #5)
The old saying “the sun shines on a dog’s butt at least once a day” definitely applies here. I had just been collecting for over a year when this snare drum came my way. I noticed right away that it was an 8 lug, 2-pc., heavy brass shell All Metal Dance Model......
Read moreWell known vintage drum collector Tony Lewis has passed on
We lost one of our best vintage drum friends right before Christmas. Tony Lewis was one of the most well respected and knowledgable guys in the vintage drum community.
Read moreRecollections: Buddy Rich - Chapter Twelve
Not So Modern Drummer continues to celebrate the legendary Buddy Rich in 2017. Recognizing the 100th anniversary of his birth… Contributing their personal recollections and commentary on Buddy Rich are Billy Arnold, Jason Bittner, Sue Hadjopoulos, and Rick Shlosser… With additional comments by Not So Modern Drummer owner and editor – George Lawrence
Read moreRecollections: Buddy Rich - Chapter Eleven
Not So Modern Drummer continues to celebrate the legendary Buddy Rich in 2017. Recognizing the 100th anniversary of his birth… Contributing their personal recollections and commentary on Buddy Rich are: Greg Caputo, Ned Ingberman, Billy Klock, Chet Pasek, and Vic Thomas… With additional comments by Not So Modern Drummer staff writer – David Barsalou
Read moreJack Scarangella: Scrappin' In The Apple
.....He was also hanging with Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, and Lonnie Brooks. Miles Davis sat Jack down at the piano to play him a song. He played ‘Pinball Wizard’ with Pete Townsend’, and ‘Time Has Come Today’ with the Chambers Brothers, and gigs with Matt "Guitar" Murphy. Touring with Blood, Sweat and Tears and David Clayton Thomas, The Band, and Paul Butterfield. Recording sessions with Felix Cavaliere, James Greene, Laura Nyro, Cissy Houston, Luther Vandross, Joe Farrell, and Leslie West.
Read morePrevent Hearing Loss
Drummers, wearing protective ear plugs is a highly effective way to prevent hearing loss. H.E.A.R., through our nationwide affiliate network of audiologists, offers free screenings and consultations with audiologists. Ear doctors have also joined us as Affiliates to test hearing and fit custom plugs or ear monitors for musicians. Our clientele range from rock legends to local school marching bands and all those interested in preserving their hearing for their music.
Read more"Vintage"...But Not So Vintage
Why am I writing about a modern set of drums? Because I am one of those people that puts my faith in a product that is used time and time again, like my old Ludwigs. I know that my new Ludwigs will sound great at every gig and I can count on them to do what I need them to do. They still look as nice as the day as they came home with me and best of all they have shared a lot of gigs, late nights and long car rides with me. I plan on using these for a long time and when I am old and not playing much. These “vintage” drums will have a rich history behind them much like some of the vintage drums I own currently. Hopefully, someone else will take care of my drums and keep them in good shape for future generations as I imagine that these drums should far outlive me.
Read moreRogers 1963/1964 Constellation Outfit
My research in the Rogers 60s catalogs has shown that the drums could be a variety of models such as a Louis Bellson Citation No. 2840 Outfit OR a Top Hat No. 1875 Outfit.
Read moreRecollections: Buddy Rich Chapter Ten
Not So Modern Drummer continues to celebrate the legendary Buddy Rich in 2017. Recognizing the 100th anniversary of his birth… Contributing their personal recollections and commentary on Buddy Rich are: Dan Britt, Bob Campbell, Skip Hadden, Bruce Klauber, and Andy Weis.
Read moreImperator Mondus 1920s drum set - Ultra rare French instrument
This is the only complete IMPERATOR MODUS drum set known to date ! This "Jazz" (drumsets were called "Jazz" in France before the WWII) dates from the late 1920s and is the "Luxury" model of the brand.... A full dress drum set decorated with marquetry and nacrolac (plastic pearl)...
Read morePaul Wertico's "Turn The Beat Around" now available from Alfred Music
“I wrote this book to help drummers explore an alternative way of thinking and grooving, and the book is for all drummers, since it runs the gamut from simple to complex, regardless of their musical style”.
Read more